Trump says Iran ceasefire is on 'massive life support'

US President Donald Trump stated on Monday that the month-long ceasefire with Iran is "on massive life support" and "unbelievably weak." This comes after Iran presented a counter-offer on Sunday to end the conflict and reopen the Strait of Hormuz. Trump rejected Iran's proposal, deeming it "totally unacceptable" and a "piece of garbage." Iran's foreign ministry spokesperson, Esmail Baghaei, described Tehran's proposals as "responsible" and "generous," outlining demands that include an immediate end to hostilities, the lifting of the US naval blockade, and guarantees against further attacks. In response to Trump's criticism, Baghaei indicated Iran would take necessary actions to secure its interests.

Iran's Foreign Ministry spokesman, Esmaeil Baghaei, has accused the United States of making "unreasonable" and "one-sided" demands in negotiations to end a two-month war. Iran submitted its response to a US proposal on Sunday, which President Trump subsequently deemed "totally unacceptable." Baghaei stated that Iran's proposal, which includes ending the conflict, unblocking the Strait of Hormuz, and releasing frozen assets, is legitimate and generous. He emphasized that Iran is not seeking concessions but rather an end to the war, the lifting of blockades, and the return of its assets. The exchange highlights a significant impasse in peace talks between the two nations.

President Trump has declared Iran's response to a US peace proposal "totally unacceptable," signaling a fraying ceasefire. Iran's counter-proposal reportedly included lifting US sanctions, ending the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, and an immediate end to the war with guarantees. The US proposal, however, outlined parameters for nuclear talks, including a long-term moratorium on enrichment and the transfer of Iran's enriched uranium. The differing stances, particularly regarding the duration of the moratorium and the dismantling of nuclear facilities, represent a key sticking point. This development occurred as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated the war was "not over," and drone strikes were reported in the region, leading to a jump in Brent crude oil prices.

Asian stock markets experienced mixed performance on Monday, May 11, 2026, with oil prices surging over 4%. This jump in oil was a direct reaction to U.S. President Donald Trump rejecting Iran's response to a U.S. proposal aimed at ending the war in Iran, which he deemed "TOTALLY UNACCEPTABLE!" While Tokyo's Nikkei 225 saw a slight decline, South Korea's Kospi reached an all-time intraday high, driven by technology stocks. Hong Kong's Hang Seng fell, but Shanghai's Composite climbed following positive economic data from China. U.S. futures edged lower. The ongoing Iran conflict and interest in artificial intelligence have been significant factors influencing market movements in the region.

Oil prices surged in Asian trading Monday after U.S. President Donald Trump rejected Iran's proposal to end the ongoing conflict. Iran, through Pakistan as a mediator, had called for an immediate cessation of hostilities and guarantees against future U.S.-Israeli attacks. In response, Trump declared Iran's terms "totally unacceptable." This development comes as the Strait of Hormuz remains effectively closed since the war's commencement on February 28th, significantly impacting global oil and gas supplies. Brent crude rose 4.1% to $105.50 a barrel, and U.S. crude increased 4.4% to $99.80. The U.S. had previously demanded the restoration of free transit through the Strait and the suspension of Iran's nuclear enrichment.

Former Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Hamad bin Jassim Al Thani stated that the current United States-Israel war on Iran is the result of a long-term Israeli agenda to reshape the Middle East, not a sudden escalation. He identified the crisis in the Strait of Hormuz as the most dangerous fallout and warned against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's ambitions for a "Greater Israel." Sheikh Hamad argued that Netanyahu convinced the US administration that the war would be short and swift, an "illusion" that led to the conflict. He criticized Washington's reliance on military force and suggested that diplomatic talks could have averted the war. The former Qatari leader also called for the urgent establishment of a unified Gulf defense pact.

The United States and Iran engaged in a significant exchange of fire in the Strait of Hormuz, testing a month-long ceasefire. Iran accused the US of violating the truce by targeting two ships and civilian areas, while the US stated its actions were retaliation for "unprovoked" Iranian hostilities. The US military reported destroying Iranian boats and intercepting drones and missiles, asserting it targeted Iranian military facilities responsible for attacking US forces. Iran claimed its forces inflicted damage on US vessels and accused the US of aggression. Despite the skirmishes, US President Donald Trump stated the ceasefire remained in place. The renewed hostilities occurred shortly after Pakistan announced both nations were nearing a temporary agreement to halt the conflict.

US forces engaged Iranian vessels in the Strait of Hormuz after what US Central Command described as "unprovoked" attacks involving missiles, drones, and small boats. The US military responded by targeting Iranian missile and drone launch sites and command locations, stating they do not seek escalation but are prepared to defend forces. President Trump claimed significant damage was inflicted on Iranian attackers and reiterated a warning regarding a peace deal. This incident occurs amidst ongoing diplomatic efforts, with the US reportedly nearing a memorandum of understanding with Iran, though Iranian officials have expressed skepticism about the proposal. Both nations have previously threatened escalation if their conditions for a peace agreement are not met.

The United States and Iran have exchanged fire in the Strait of Hormuz, raising concerns about the fragile ceasefire in place since April 8. President Trump stated that three US Navy destroyers were attacked while transiting the strait but sustained no damage, while Iran claimed to have struck US vessels in retaliation for alleged US attacks on an Iranian oil tanker and civilian areas. The incident occurred as Washington awaits Iran's response to proposals aimed at ending the war, which began in late February with joint US-Israeli strikes on Iran. The Strait of Hormuz is a critical global oil and LNG shipping route, and the renewed hostilities could further disrupt these supplies.

Iran is reviewing a US ceasefire proposal aimed at ending the ongoing conflict, though officials indicate a significant gap remains between the two nations. The US proposal, reportedly a 14-point document, requires Iran to halt nuclear weapon development and uranium enrichment for 12 years, and surrender enriched uranium. In return, the US would gradually lift sanctions, release frozen assets, and reopen the Strait of Hormuz. This exchange occurs amidst ongoing military actions in the Strait of Hormuz, with US President Trump issuing a stern warning to Iran. Iran has not yet formally responded to the US plan, which follows a proposal submitted by Iran via Pakistan.

On day 65 of the conflict, Iran has presented the US with a 14-point proposal aimed at ending the war. The plan calls for nonaggression guarantees, sanctions relief, the lifting of a naval blockade, and an end to hostilities on all fronts, including Lebanon. President Trump stated he will review the proposal but expressed skepticism about a deal, citing escalated rhetoric. Despite this diplomatic overture, both sides have indicated readiness for renewed conflict, with the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps on standby. Iran's proposal seeks to resolve all issues within 30 days, differing from the US request for a two-month ceasefire. Meanwhile, an Iranian supertanker reportedly evaded the US blockade carrying millions of dollars worth of oil.

President Donald Trump stated that the ceasefire with Iran remains in effect, despite recent clashes in the Strait of Hormuz. He urged Iran to "sign agreement fast," implying ongoing negotiations or a desire for a swift resolution. The comments come amid tensions in the strategic waterway. While the exact nature of the ceasefire and the specific agreement being referenced were not detailed, Trump's remarks indicate a continued diplomatic effort despite military incidents. The situation highlights the delicate balance of power and communication between the United States and Iran in a critical global shipping route.

Iran is emphasizing the critical importance of its control over the Strait of Hormuz amidst ongoing US negotiations for an agreement. Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei stated Iran is still reviewing Washington's proposal, disregarding US deadlines. Senior Iranian officials are now highlighting the strait's strategic value, comparing its economic impact to an atomic bomb, capable of disrupting the global economy with a single decision. They assert Iran will not relinquish control and aims to influence the strait's governance through international or domestic means. This heightened focus on the Strait of Hormuz is seen as a countermeasure to US sanctions, particularly those targeting Iran's oil sales.

The Foundation for Defense of Democracies (FDD), a pro-Israel think tank, is significantly influencing the Trump administration's policy towards Iran. The White House has amplified FDD's claims, including a recent false assertion about Iran's uranium enrichment acceleration under the Biden administration. The FDD, which opposed the 2015 Iran nuclear deal, has cultivated influence in Washington through its experts' media appearances and circulation of reports in Congress and the White House. The organization, which states it receives no foreign government funding, has a network of former Israeli military and intelligence officials. Notably, a former FDD Action official has joined Trump's Iran negotiating team, highlighting the think tank's direct impact on US policy.

On day 64 of the conflict, US President Donald Trump rejected Iran's latest peace proposal, stating its demands were unacceptable and warning against premature resolution. The US also threatened sanctions on ships transiting the Strait of Hormuz that pay tolls to Iran. Domestically, a poll indicated 61% of Americans view the use of military force against Iran as a mistake. In Iran, fourteen soldiers died in an ordnance disposal incident, and Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei called for economic resistance. The IRGC Navy announced new maritime rules near its coast. Meanwhile, the US imposed measures on entities involved in Iranian oil exports, which China condemned, while approving significant military sales to regional allies.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz stated on Monday that the United States is being "humiliated" in its conflict with Iran, warning of a potential quagmire similar to Iraq and Afghanistan. Speaking to students in Marsberg, Merz argued that Iran is demonstrating superior negotiation skills and appears "clearly stronger than one thought." He expressed concern that the US lacks a clear exit strategy from the war, which he believes is impacting Germany's economy. Merz also indicated Germany's readiness to deploy minesweepers to secure the Strait of Hormuz, contingent on a ceasefire. The comments highlight growing European concerns about the conflict's economic and energy ramifications.

Russia's political support for Iran and its stance against military escalation are more significant than military aid in the current conflict involving Iran, the US, and Israel. This position, solidified by a 2025 treaty, prioritizes peace over short-term gains like rising oil prices, which Russia recognizes as insufficient for economic restructuring amid Western sanctions. Moscow's strategic focus is on conflict resolution and mitigating negative consequences such as humanitarian crises, global economic slowdowns, and financial instability. Iran views Russia's stance as beneficial, having successfully withstood attacks and secured a favorable diplomatic position with limited international support for the US and Israel. European allies have shown reluctance to engage militarily, perceiving little benefit in the conflict.